296-307-520 Powered industrial trucks (forklifts).
296-307-52001 What does this section cover?
296-307-52003 What is a “powered industrial truck”?
296-307-52005 What manufacturer's requirements apply to powered industrial
trucks?
296-307-52007 What are the classifications of powered industrial trucks?
296-307-52009 What must a user consider before choosing a powered
industrial truck?
296-307-52011 What requirements determine which trucks to use in specific
hazardous environments?
296-307-52013 In what environments may converted trucks be used?
296-307-52015 What requirements apply to overhead safety guards?
296-307-52017 What requirements apply to load backrests?
296-307-52019 What requirements apply to fuel handling and storage?
296-307-52021 What requirements apply to lighting for operating areas?
296-307-52023 What level of carbon monoxide gas is allowed?
296-307-52025 What requirements apply to dockboards (bridge plates)?
296-307-52027 What rules apply to loading trucks, trailers, and railroad
cars with powered industrial trucks?
296-307-52029 What are the operator training requirements for powered
industrial trucks?
296-307-52030 Is there any additional (nonmandatory) information that
may assist me with powered industrial truck operator training?
296-307-52031 What requirements apply to operating powered industrial
trucks?
296-307-52033 When may trucks be used to open or close freight car
doors?
296-307-52035 What requirements apply to lifting employees on the
forks of trucks?
296-307-52037 What requirements apply to using platforms for hoisting
employees?
296-307-52039 What requirements apply to traveling in powered industrial
trucks?
296-307-52041 What requirements apply to traveling speeds of powered
industrial trucks?
296-307-52043 What requirements apply to loading powered industrial
trucks?
296-307-52045 What requirements apply to servicing powered industrial
trucks?
296-307-52047 What requirements apply to maintaining powered industrial
trucks?
“Powered industrial truck” (or “truck”) means a fork truck,
industrial tractor, platform lift truck, motorized hand truck, or other
specialized industrial trucks, powered by electric motors or internal
combustion engines. The definition does not include compressed gas-operated
industrial trucks, tractor-mounted forklifts, or vehicles intended primarily
for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.
WAC 296-307-52005
What manufacturer's requirements apply to powered industrial trucks?
(1) All powered industrial trucks in use by an employer must meet the
applicable requirements of design, construction and stability as defined
by the American National Standards Institute B56.1-1969, Safety Standards
for Powered Industrial Trucks, except for vehicles intended primarily
for earth moving or over-the-road hauling. All new powered industrial
trucks acquired and used by an employer on or after March 1, 2000, must
meet the applicable requirements of design, construction and stability
as defined in ASME B56.1-1993. The employer must ensure that all powered
industrial trucks are inspected, maintained and operated in accordance
with this section and the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.
(2) Approved trucks must have a label indicating approval by the testing
laboratory as meeting the specifications and requirements of ANSI B56.1-1969.
(3) Modifications or additions must only be performed with the manufacturer's
prior written approval. When modifications or additions are made, capacity,
operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals must be
changed accordingly.
(4) If the truck is equipped with front-end attachments other than factory
installed attachments, it must be marked to identify the attachments and
show the approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at
maximum elevation with the load centered from side to side.
(5) The user must ensure that all nameplates and markings are in place
and legible.
WAC 296-307-52007
What are the classifications of powered industrial trucks?
Powered industrial trucks are identified according to the following
classifications:
(1) “D” refers to trucks that are diesel engine powered that have
minimum safeguards against inherent fire hazards.
(2) “DS” refers to diesel powered trucks that, in addition to
meeting all the requirements for the type D trucks, with additional safeguards
to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems.
(3) “DY” refers to diesel powered trucks that have all the safeguards
of the DS trucks; in addition, any electrical equipment is completely
enclosed. They are equipped with temperature limitation features.
(4) “E” refers to electrically powered trucks with minimum acceptable
safeguards against inherent fire hazards.
(5) “ES” refers to electrically powered trucks that, in addition
to all of the requirements for the E trucks, are provided with additional
safeguards to the electrical system to prevent emission of hazardous sparks
and to limit surface temperatures.
(6) “EE” refers to electrically powered trucks that have, in addition
to all of the requirements for the E and ES type trucks, have their electric
motors and all other electrical equipment completely enclosed.
(7) “EX” refers to electrically powered trucks that differ from
E, ES, or EE type trucks in that the electrical fittings and equipment
are so designed, constructed, and assembled to be used in atmospheres
containing flammable vapors or dusts.
(8) “G” refers to gasoline powered trucks that have minimum acceptable
safeguards against inherent fire hazards.
(9) “GS” refers to gasoline powered trucks with additional safeguards
to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems.
(10) “LP” refers to liquefied petroleum gas-powered trucks that
have minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.
(11) “LPS” refers to LP-gas powered trucks that in addition to
meeting the requirements for LP trucks, are provided with additional safeguards
to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems.
WAC 296-307-52009
What must a user consider before choosing a powered industrial truck?
Before choosing the industrial truck to use, the
user must determine whether the atmosphere or location is hazardous
or nonhazardous. The type of industrial truck must be chosen according
to the requirements of WAC
296-307-52011.
WAC 296-307-52011
What requirements determine which trucks to use in specific hazardous
environments?
Following are the minimum truck types required in specific hazardous
environments. You may choose to use industrial trucks having greater safeguards.
Tables W-1 and W-2 give specific vehicle usage information by Group and
Class.
Summary Table on Use of Industrial Trucks in Various
Locations
(1) Powered industrial trucks are prohibited in atmospheres with a hazardous
concentration of:
Acetaldehyde,
Acetylene,
Butadiene,
Cyclopropane,
Diethyl ether,
Ethylene,
Ethylene oxide,
Hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard to hydrogen, such
as manufactured gas),
Isoprene,
Propylene oxide, or
Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH).
(a) Only approved EX trucks, or other trucks approved by the manufacturer,
may be used in atmospheres containing hazardous concentrations of metal
dust, including:
Aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys;
Other dusts of similarly hazardous characteristics; or
In atmospheres containing:
Carbon black,
Coal, or
Coke dust.
(b) In atmospheres where dust of magnesium, aluminum or aluminum
bronze may be present, fuses, switches, motor controllers, and circuit
breakers of trucks must have enclosures specifically approved for
such locations.
(b) In atmospheres where dust of magnesium, aluminum or aluminum bronze
may be present, fuses, switches, motor controllers, and circuit breakers
of trucks must have enclosures specifically approved for such locations.
(2) Only approved EX trucks, or other trucks approved by the manufacturer,
may be used in atmospheres containing:
Acetone,
Acrylonitrile,
Alcohol,
Ammonia,
Benzine,
Bensol,
Butane,
Ethylene dichloride,
Gasoline,
Hexane,
Lacquer solvent vapors,
Naphtha,
Natural gas,
Propane,
Propylene,
Styrene,
Vinyl acetate,
Vinyl chloride, or
Xylenes
in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
(3) Only approved DY, EE, or EX trucks, or other trucks approved by the
manufacturer, may be used in locations where volatile flammable liquids
or flammable gases are handled, processed or used, if the hazardous liquids,
vapors or gases are normally confined within closed containers or closed
systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture
or breakdown, or in case of abnormal equipment operation.
Only approved DY, EE, or EX trucks, or other trucks approved by the manufacturer,
may also be used in locations in which hazardous concentrations of gases
or vapors are normally prevented by mechanical ventilation but that might
become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating
equipment.
(4) Only approved DS, ES, GS, or LPS trucks, or other trucks approved
by the manufacturer, may be used in locations used for the storage of
hazardous liquids in sealed containers or liquefied or compressed gases
in containers. This classification includes locations where volatile flammable
liquids or flammable gases or vapors are used but are hazardous only in
case of an accident or an unusual operation condition.
The quantity of hazardous material that might escape in case of accident,
the adequacy of ventilating equipment, the total area involved, and the
business's history of explosions or fires are all factors that should
be considered in determining which truck has sufficient safeguards for
the location.
(a) Only approved EX trucks, or other trucks approved by the manufacturer,
may be used in atmospheres in which combustible dust is or may be suspended
in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures,
or where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment
might cause such mixtures to be produced.
(b) The EX classification, or other trucks approved by the manufacturer
as having equal or greater safeguards, usually includes the working
areas of:
Grain handling and storage plants,
Rooms containing grinders or pulverizers,
Cleaners,
Graders,
Scalpers,
Open conveyors or spouts,
Open bins or hoppers,
Mixers or blenders,
Automatic or hopper scales,
Packing machinery,
Elevator heads and boots,
Stock distributors,
Dust and stock collectors (except all-metal collectors vented to
the outside), and all similar dust producing machinery and equipment
in:
Grain processing plants,
Starch plants,
Sugar pulverizing plants,
Malting plants,
Hay grinding plants, and other similar locations; and,
Areas where combustible dust may, under normal operating conditions,
be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive
or ignitable mixtures.
(5) Only approved DY, EE, or EX trucks, or other trucks approved by the
manufacturer, may be used in atmospheres in which deposits or accumulations
of combustible dust may be ignited by arcs or sparks from the truck, if
combustible dust will not normally be suspended or thrown into suspension
by the normal operation of equipment or apparatus in quantities sufficient
to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
(6) Only approved DY, EE, or EX trucks, or other trucks approved by the
manufacturer, may be used in locations with easily ignitable fibers or
flyings if the fibers or flyings are not likely to be suspended in quantities
sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.
(7) Only approved DS, DY, ES, EE, EX, GS, or LPS trucks, or other trucks
approved by the manufacturer, may be used in locations, including outside
storage, where easily ignitable fibers are stored or handled, but are
not processed or manufactured. E trucks that have been previously used
in these locations may continue to be used.
(8) If storage warehouses and outside storage locations are hazardous,
the specified approved truck, or other truck approved by the manufacturer,
must be used. If not classified as hazardous, any approved D, E, G, or
LP truck, or other truck approved by the manufacturer, may be used, or
trucks meeting the requirements for these types may be used.
WAC 296-307-52013
In what environments may converted trucks be used?
When powered industrial trucks that were originally approved to use
gasoline are converted to use LP-gas according to WAC
296-307-52047(12), they may be used in locations where G,
GS or LP, and LPS trucks are specified.
WAC 296-307-52015
What requirements apply to overhead safety guards?
(1) High-lift rider trucks must be fitted with an overhead guard manufactured
according to WAC
296-307-52005(1), unless operating conditions do not permit.
(2) An overhead guard must be used as protection against falling objects.
Note: An overhead guard is intended to offer protection
from the impact of small packages, boxes, bagged material, and other objects
involved in the job, but not to withstand the impact of a falling capacity
load.
(1) A load backrest extension must be used whenever necessary to minimize
the possibility of the load or part of it from falling rearward.
(2) If the type of load presents a hazard, the user must equip fork trucks
with a vertical load backrest extension manufactured according
to WAC
296-307-52005(1).
WAC 296-307-52019
What requirements apply to fuel handling and storage?
(1) You must ensure that liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel
are stored and handled according to NFPA Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Code (NFPA No. 30-1996).
(2) You must ensure that LP-gas fuel is stored and handled according
to NFPA Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (NFPA No. 58-1998).
Concentration levels of carbon monoxide gas created by truck operations
must not exceed the levels specified in WAC
296-62-075, Part L (general occupational health standards).
Note: Questions concerning degree of concentration
and methods of sampling should be referred to a qualified industrial hygienist.
WAC 296-307-52025
What requirements apply to dockboards (bridge plates)?
(1) Portable and powered dockboards must be strong enough to support
the load carried on them.
(2) Portable dockboards must be secured in position, either by anchors
or anti-slipping devices.
(3) Powered dockboards must meet the design and construction requirements
of Commercial Standard CS202-56 (1956) “Industrial Lifts and Hinged Loading
Ramps” published by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
(4) Dockboard or bridge plates must be driven over carefully and slowly
and their rated capacity never exceeded.
(5) Portable dockboards must have handholds for safe handling.
(6) Railroad cars must be kept stationary while dockboards or bridge
plates are in position.
WAC 296-307-52027
What rules apply to loading trucks, trailers, and railroad cars with powered
industrial trucks?
(1) Wheel stops or other positive protection must be provided to prevent
railroad cars from moving during loading or unloading.
(2) Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semi-trailer and prevent
up-ending during loading or unloading if the trailer is not coupled to
a tractor.
(3) Many truck-trailers are equipped with a rear-end protection device
to prevent cars from wedging underneath during a collision. These protection
devices must be used with equipment that secures the truck-trailer to
the loading dock. Wheel chocks are not required under the following conditions:
(a) Trucks or trailers are secured to the loading dock with a mechanical
system that prevents movement away from the dock during loading, unloading,
and boarding.
(b) All of the mechanical equipment is installed, maintained, and used
as recommended by the manufacturer.
(c) Any damaged mechanical equipment is removed from service immediately
and is not used to secure trucks and trailers.
(4) The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars must be checked
for breaks and weakness before use.
WAC 296-307-52029
What are the operator training requirements for powered industrial trucks?
(1) Safe operation.
(a) The employer must ensure that each powered industrial truck operator
is trained in the safe operation of a powered industrial truck, and
is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely.
(b) Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial
truck (except for training purposes), the employer must ensure that
each operator has successfully completed the training required by this
section.
(2) Training program implementation.
(a) Trainees may operate a powered industrial truck only under
the direct supervision of persons who have the knowledge, training,
and experience to train operators and where such operation does
not endanger the trainee of other employees.
Note: The employer, or any other qualified
person of the employer's choosing, may give required training
and evaluation.
(b) Training must consist of formal instruction and/or practical
training, conveyed in a manner that the trainee understands.
Note: Formal instruction may include lecture,
discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape and/or written
material. Practical training may include demonstrations performed
by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee.
(3) Training program content. Powered industrial truck operators must
receive initial training in the topics that follow, except in topics that
the employer can demonstrate are not applicable to safe operation of the
truck in the employer's workplace.
(a) Truck-related topics:
Operating instructions, warnings and precautions for the types
of truck the operator will be authorized to operate;
Differences between the truck and the automobile;
Truck controls and instrumentation: where they are located , whate
they do, and how they work;
Engine or motor operation;
Steering and maneuvering;
Visibility (including restrictions due to loading);
Fork and attachment adaption, operation, and use limitations;
Vehicle capacity;
Vehicle stability;
Any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be
required to perform;
Refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries;
Operating limitations;
Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed
in the operator's manual for the types of vehicle that the employee
is being trained to operate.
(b) Workplace-related topics:
Surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated;
Composition of loads to be carried and load stability;
Load manipulation, stacking and unstacking;
Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated;
Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will
be operated;
Hazardous (classified) locations where the vehicle will be operated;
Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle's
stability;
Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation
or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide
or diesel exhaust;
Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions
in the workplace that could affect safe operation.
(4) Retraining.
(a) Retraining in relevant topics must be provided to the operator
when:
The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe
manner;
The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident;
The operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator
is not operating the truck safely;
The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck; or
The condition of the workplace changes in a manner that could affect
safe operation of the truck.
(b) Retraining must be provided to an operator if three years has elapsed
since he or she last received training.
(5) Avoidance and duplicative training. If an operator has previously
received training in a topic specified in subsection (3) of this section,
and such training is appropriate to the truck and working conditions encountered,
additional training in that topic is not required if the operator can
provide proof of such training within three years, and the employer can
verify operator competency.
(6) Recordkeeping. Employers must keep records showing that each operator
has been trained or received retraining as required by this section. These
records must include the name of the operator, the date of the training
or retraining, and the name of the person(s) giving the training or retraining.
(7) Implementation dates. The employer must ensure that operators of
powered industrial trucks are trained, as appropriate, by the effective
date of this section. Employees hired on or after the effective date of
this section must be trained and found competent prior to being assigned
to operate a powered industrial truck.
(8) Nonmandatory guidance. To assist employers in implementing operator
training requirements, a nonmandatory appendix has been added
as WAC
296-307-52030. This appendix does not add to, alter, or reduce
the requirements of this section.
WAC 296-307-52030
Is there any additional (nonmandatory) information that may assist me
with powered industrial truck operator training?
(1) Definitions. The following definitions may help to explain the principle
of stability:
“Center of gravity” means the point on an object at which all
of the object's weight is concentrated. For symmetrical loads, the center
of gravity is at the middle of the load.
“Counterweight” means the weight that is built into the truck's
basic structure and is used to offset the load's weight and to maximize
the vehicles resistance to tipping over.
“Fulcrum” means the truck's axis of rotation when it tips over.
“Grade” means the slope of a surface, which is usually measured
as the number of feet of rise or fall over a hundred foot horizontal distance
(the slope is expressed as a percent).
“Lateral stability” means a truck's resistance to overturning
sideways.
“Line of action” means an imaginary vertical line through an object's
center of gravity.
“Load center” means the horizontal distance from the load's edge
(or the fork's or other attachment's vertical face) to the line of action
through the load's center of gravity.
“Longitudinal stability” means the truck's resistance to overturning
forward or rearward.
“Moment” means the product of the object's weight times the distance
from a fixed point (usually the fulcrum). In the case of a powered industrial
truck, the distance is measured from the point at which the truck will
tip over to the object's line of action. The distance is always measured
perpendicular to the line of action.
“Track” means the distance between the wheels on the same axle
of the truck.
“Wheelbase” means the distance between the centerline of the vehicle's
front and rear wheels.
(2) General.
(a) Determining the stability of a powered industrial truck is simple
once a few basic principles are understood. There are many factors that
contribute to a vehicle's stability: The vehicle's wheelbase, track,
and height; the load's weight distribution; and the vehicle's counterweight
location (if the vehicle is so equipped).
(b) The “stability triangle”, used in most stability discussions,
demonstrates stability simply (see Figures 1 and 2).
(3) Basic principles.
(a) Whether an object is stable depends on the object's “moment” (see
definitions, this section) at one end of a system being greater than,
equal to, or smaller than the object's moment at the system's other
end. This principle can be seen in the way a seesaw or teeter-totter
works: That is, if the product of the load and distance from the fulcrum
(moment) is equal to the moment at the device's other end, the device
is balanced and it will not move. However, if there is a greater moment
at one end of the device, the device will try to move downward at the
end with the greater moment.
(b) The longitudinal stability of a counterbalanced powered industrial
truck depends on the vehicle's moment and the load's moment. In other
words, if the mathematic product of the load-moment (the distance from
the front wheels, the approximate point at which the vehicle would tip
forward) to the load's center of gravity times the load's weight is
less than the vehicle's moment, the system is balanced and will not
tip forward. However, if the load's moment is greater than the vehicle's
moment, the greater load-moment will force the truck to tip forward.
(4) The stability triangle.
(a) Almost all counterbalanced powered industrial trucks have a three-point
suspension system, that is, the vehicle is supported at three points.
This is true even if the vehicle has four wheels. The truck's steer
axle is attached to the truck by a pivot pin in the axle's center. When
the points are connected with imaginary lines, this three-point support
forms a triangle called the stability triangle. Figure 1 depicts the
stability triangle.
Figure 1
Notes:
1. When the vehicle is loaded, the combined center
of gravity shifts toward line B-C. Theoretically, the maximum load will
result in the center of gravity at the line B-C. In actual practice, the
combined center of gravity should never be at line B-C.
2. The addition of additional counterweight will
cause the truck center of gravity to shift toward point A and result in
a truck that is less stable laterally.
(b) When the vehicle's line of action, or load center,
falls within the stability triangle, the vehicle is stable and will not
tip over. However, when the vehicle's line of action or the vehicle/load
combination falls outside the stability triangle, the vehicle is unstable
and may tip over.
Figure 2
(5) Longitudinal stability.
(a) The axis of rotation when a truck tips forward is the front wheels'
points of contact with the pavement. When a powered industrial truck
tips forward, the truck will rotate about this line. When a truck is
stable, the vehicle-moment must exceed the load-moment. As long as the
vehicle-moment is equal to or exceeds the load-moment, the vehicle will
not tip over. On the other hand, if the load-moment slightly exceeds
the vehicle-moment, the truck will begin to tip forward, thereby causing
the rear to lose contact with the floor or ground and resulting in loss
of steering control. If the load-moment greatly exceeds the vehicle-moment,
the truck will tip forward.
(b) To determine the maximum safe load-moment, the truck manufacturer
normally rates the truck at a maximum load at a given distance from
the front face of the forks. The specified distance from the front face
of the forks to the line of action of the load is commonly called the
load center. Because larger trucks normally handle loads that are physically
larger, these vehicles have greater load centers. Trucks with a capacity
of 30,000 pounds or less are normally rated at a given load weight at
a 24-inch load center. Trucks with a capacity greater than 30,000 pounds
are normally rated at a given load weight at a 36- or 48-inch load center.
To safely operate the vehicle, the operator should always check the
data plate to determine the maximum allowable weight at the rated load
center.
(c) Although the true load-moment distance is measured from the front
wheels, this distance is greater than the distance from the front face
of the forks. Calculating the maximum allowable load-moment using the
load-center distance always provides a lower load-moment than the truck
was designed to handle. When handling unusual loads, such as those that
are larger than 48 inches long (the center of gravity is greater than
24 inches) or that have an offset center of gravity, etc., a maximum
allowable load-moment should be calculated and used to determine whether
a load can be safely handled. For example, if an operator is operating
a 3,000-pound capacity truck (with a 24-inch load center), the maximum
allowable load-moment is 72,000 inch-pounds (3,000 times 24). If a load
is 60 inches long (30-inch load center), then the maximum that this
load can weigh is 2,400 pounds (72,000 divided by 30).
(6) Lateral stability.
(a) The vehicle's lateral stability is determined by the line of action's
position (a vertical line that passes through the combined vehicle's
and load's center of gravity) relative to the stability triangle. When
the vehicle is not loaded, the truck's center of gravity location is
the only factor to be considered in determining the truck's stability.
As long as the line of action of the combined vehicle's and load's center
of gravity falls within the stability triangle, the truck is stable
and will not tip over. However, if the line of action falls outside
the stability triangle, the truck is not stable and may tip over. Refer
to Figure 2.
(b) Factors that affect the vehicle's lateral stability include the
load's placement on the truck, the height of the load above the surface
on which the vehicle is operating, and the vehicle's degree of lean.
(7) Dynamic stability.
(a) Up to this point, the stability of a powered industrial truck has
been discussed without considering the dynamic forces that result when
the vehicle and load are put into motion. The weight's transfer and
the resultant shift in the center of gravity due to the dynamic forces
created when the machine is moving, braking, cornering, lifting, tilting,
and lowering loads, etc., are important stability considerations.
(b) When determining whether a load can be safely handled, the operator
should exercise extra caution when handling loads that cause the vehicle
to approach its maximum design characteristics. For example, if an operator
must handle a maximum load, the load should be carried at the lowest
position possible, the truck should be accelerated slowly and evenly,
and the forks should be tilted forward cautiously. However, no precise
rules can be formulated to cover all of these eventualities.
WAC 296-307-52031
What requirements apply to operating powered industrial trucks?
(1) No operator may drive a truck up to anyone standing in front of a
fixed object.
(2) No one may stand or pass under the elevated portion of any truck,
whether loaded or empty.
(3) Employers must not allow people to ride on powered industrial trucks
unless a safe place to ride is provided.
(4) Employers must prohibit employees from placing any body parts between
the uprights of the mast or outside the running lines of the truck.
(5) When an operator leaves a powered industrial truck unattended:
(a) The load must be fully lowered;
(b) The controls must be neutralized;
(c) The power must be shut off; and
(d) The brakes must be set.
(e) If the truck is parked on an incline, the wheels must be blocked.
A powered industrial truck is “unattended” when the operator is
25 feet or more away from the vehicle, which remains in view, or whenever
the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in view.
(6) When a truck operator is dismounted, within 25 feet of the truck,
and still in view, the load must be fully lowered, the controls must be
neutralized, and the brakes must be set to prevent movement.
(7) The operator must maintain a safe distance from the edge of ramps
or platforms while operating on any elevated dock, or platform or freight
car.
(8) There must be enough headroom for trucks to operate under overhead
installations, lights, pipes, sprinkler systems, or other overhead projections.
(9) An active operator protection restraint device (such as a seatbelt
or lap-bar) or system must be used, when provided.
WAC 296-307-52037
What requirements apply to using platforms for hoisting employees?
A platform built specifically for hoisting people may be used to lift
employees when:
(1) The platform is securely attached to the forks and has standard guardrails
and toeboards installed on all sides.
(2) The hydraulic system is designed so that the lift mechanism will
not drop faster than 135 feet per minute in the event of a failure in
any part of the system. Forklifts used for elevating work platforms are
identified as meeting this requirement.
(3) A safety strap is installed or the control lever is locked to prevent
the boom from tilting.
(4) An operator attends the lift equipment while employees are on the
platform.
(5) The operator is in the normal operating position while raising or
lowering the platform.
(6) The vehicle remains stationary while employees are on the platform.
Exception: Inching or maneuvering at very slow speed
is permissible.
(7) The area between employees on the platform and the mast is adequately
guarded to prevent contact with chains or other shear points.
WAC 296-307-52039
What requirements apply to traveling in a powered industrial truck?
(1) The operator must maintain a safe distance of approximately three
truck lengths from the truck ahead. The truck must be kept under control
at all times.
(2) The operator must yield the right of way to ambulances, fire trucks,
or other vehicles in emergency situations.
(3) Passing other trucks traveling in the same direction at intersections,
blind spots, or other dangerous locations is prohibited.
(4) Railroad tracks must be crossed diagonally wherever possible. The
operator must not park closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad
tracks.
(5) The operator must look in the direction of, and keep a clear view
of, the path of travel.
(6) Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited.
(7) The operator must approach elevators slowly, and then enter squarely
after the elevator car is properly leveled. Once on the elevator, the
operator must neutralize controls, shut off power, and set the brakes.
(8) Motorized hand trucks must enter elevator or other confined areas
with load end forward.
(9) The operator must avoid running over loose objects on the roadway
surface.
(10) Access to fire aisles, stairways, and fire equipment must be kept
clear.
WAC 296-307-52041
What requirements apply to traveling speeds of powered industrial trucks?
(1) The operator must observe all traffic regulations, including authorized
plant speed limits.
(2) The operator must slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and
other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load obstructs a forward
view, the driver must travel with the load trailing.
Exception: If traveling with the load trailing creates
new hazards, it is not required.
(3) The operator must ascend and descend grades slowly.
(a) At grades over 10 percent, loaded trucks must be driven with the
load upgrade.
(b) Unloaded trucks should be operated on all grades with the load
carrier downgrade.
(c) On all grades the load and load carrier must be tilted back if
applicable, and raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface.
(4) Under all travel conditions, the truck must be operated at a speed
that will permit it to be stopped safely.
(5) The driver must slow down for wet and slippery floors.
(6) While negotiating turns, the operator must slow to a safe speed and
turn the wheel in a smooth, sweeping motion.
WAC 296-307-52043
What requirements apply to loading powered industrial trucks?
(1) All loads must be stable or safely arranged. Exercise caution when
handling off-center loads that cannot be centered.
(2) All loads must be within the rated capacity of the truck.
(3) Take care securing, manipulating, positioning, and transporting loads
when attachments are used. Trucks with attachments must be operated as
partially loaded trucks when not handling a load.
(4) Place the load carrier under the load as far as possible. Tilt the
mast backward to stabilize the load.
(5) Use extreme care when tilting the load forward or backward, particularly
when high tiering. Avoid tilting the load forward with the load carrier
elevated except to pick up a load, or when the load is in a deposit position
over a rack or stack. When stacking or tiering, use only enough backward
tilt to stabilize the load.
WAC 296-307-52045
What requirements apply to servicing powered industrial trucks?
(1) Powered industrial trucks that need repairs, are defective, or in
any way unsafe must be taken out of service until restored to safe operating
condition.
(2) Stop the engine before filling fuel tanks. Avoid spilling fuel.
(3) When oil or fuel spills, wash the spill away carefully or evaporate
the spill completely and replace the fuel tank cap before restarting engine.
(4) No truck may be operated with a leak in the fuel system.
(5) Open flames are prohibited for checking electrolyte level in storage
batteries or gasoline level in fuel tanks.
WAC 296-307-52047
What requirements apply to maintaining powered industrial trucks?
(1) Powered industrial trucks must be removed from service when not in
safe operating condition. All repairs must be made by an authorized employee.
(2) No repairs may be made in Class I, II, and III locations.
(3) When repairs to fuel and ignition systems of industrial trucks involve
fire hazards, the repairs must be conducted only in designated locations.
(4) Trucks in need of repairs to the electrical system must have the
battery disconnected prior to repair.
(5) Industrial truck parts must be replaced only by parts of equivalent
safety.
(6) Industrial trucks must not be altered so that the relative positions
of parts are different from when they were manufactured. Industrial
trucks must not have parts added or eliminated, except as provided
in WAC
296-307-52005. Fork trucks must not have additional counterweighting
added unless approved by the truck manufacturer.
(7) Industrial trucks must be examined at least daily before being placed
in service. Industrial trucks must not be placed in service if the examination
shows any unsafe condition.
Where industrial trucks are used on a round-the-clock basis, they shall
be examined after each shift. Defects must be immediately reported and
corrected.
(8) Water mufflers must be filled daily or as frequently as necessary
to prevent the water supply from dropping below 75 percent. Vehicles must
not be operated if muffler screens or other parts are clogged. Any vehicle
that emits hazardous sparks or flames from the exhaust system must immediately
be removed from service until the emission of such sparks and flames has
been eliminated.
(9) When the temperature of any part of any truck exceeds its normal
operating temperature, the vehicle must be removed from service until
the cause for overheating has been eliminated.
(10) Industrial trucks must be kept clean and free of excess accumulations
of combustible materials, oil, and grease. Noncombustible agents should
be used for cleaning trucks. Low flash point (below 100°F) solvents must
not be used. High flash point (at or above 100°F) solvents may be used.
Take precautions regarding toxicity, ventilation, and fire hazard according
to the agent or solvent used.
(11) Industrial trucks originally approved to use gasoline fuel may be
converted to use LP-gas fuel if the converted truck has the features specified
for LP or LPS designated trucks. The converted equipment must be approved.
You may find a description of the conversion system and the recommended
method of installation in the “listed by report” of a nationally recognized
testing laboratory.
For
printing
back
to top
